COVID-19 and Vaccination Information

THE SURGERY WILL BE USING A TEXT MESSAGING SERVICE FROM ACCURX TO BOOK COVID VACCINATIONS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS ALONGSIDE YOUR FLU VACCINATION. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO CLICK ON A LINK AND PROVIDE YOUR DATE OF BIRTH.

Coronovirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can affect your lungs and airways. there is  FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE. currently no specific treatment for coronavirus. Antibiotics do not work against viruses.

Latest information is available at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

What to do if you have symptoms of COVID-19

You may be able to look after yourself at home if you have COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either:

• have a high temperature
• do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities

You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature.

If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.

COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS

If you have had a full dose of the COVID-19 vaccination, that is two doses, you can demonstrate your vaccination status either by downloading the free NHS App if you have a smartphone, by registering on the NHS website,  or ringing NHS 119 who will provide you with a paper letter. For more information see HERE.

SUPPORTING YOUR RECOVERY FROM COVID

Your COVID Recovery is an NHS website offering support in your recovery from COVID.  

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Advice

Black, Asian or other ethnic minorities have been found by Public Health England to be at increased risk from COVID-19. 

Government advice in different languages, including English, about hand-washing, symptoms and testing. Click here for the videos.

We have added general diabetes information in different languages to our Health Information Links Section found under the Patient Info tab.

Germ Defence Website

Germ Defence is an evidence-based behaviour change website that provides advice on infection control at home. A clinical trial showed that using Germ Defence successfully reduced the number and severity of infections in the home. It was created by a team of doctors and scientists to give you advice that has been proven to reduce the spread of viruses in the home. It can help you plan how to protect yourself and members of your family from infection by COVID-19 and flu. It takes just ten minutes to use.

How to avoid catching and spreading coronovirus 

Like the common cold, the COVID-19 infection usually occurs through close contact with a person with COVID-19 via cough and sneezes or hand contact. A person can also catch the virus by touching contaminated surfaces if they do not wash their hands. It’s very unlikely it can be spread through things like packages or food.

Who is at high risk?

You may be at high risk from coronavirus if you:

• have had an organ transplant
• are having certain types of cancer treatment
• have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
• have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
• have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
• are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
• are pregnant and have a serious heart condition

Pregnancy Advice

Pregnancy advice available from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/

Well-being and Support

Domestic Violence and Abuse Support   https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk    0800 2000 247   Rights, options and support

Local domestic abuse service for West Sussex 0330 222 8181

MIND     https://www.mind.org.uk/    Mental Health Support

Samaritans   https://www.samaritans.org/   Resources and help for all ages